Web-based software

Web based software is a software that offers an interface that can be accessed by using an Internet browser. Normally, web-based software is hosted on a dedicated server that can be reach from every computer connected to the Internet or from a subset of this computers according to user management process. Web-based software has several advantages, especially in multiuser environments:

1. All data is stored in a single place, usually in a relational database. Data management is easier (backups, versioning).

2. No need for client software. All logic is on the server. The client computer needs only an Internet browser wich is a standard software component in all operating systems.

3. Platform independence. On the client-side, if the server application is designed according to Internet standards any operating system can be run (including less expensive open-source systems such as Linux, FreeBSD, etc.).

4. High availability. The server can be accessed from everywhere. No data stays on the client and therefore any computer can be used (public computers, Internet centers, etc.).

5. Simpler maintenance. All investment goes on the server. If the system has to be scaled up there is no need for upgrades on the client computers.

6. Ability to integrate diverse systems: Open protocols allow for the integration of diverse back-end systems which can be unified by Web middleware and a single Web presentation.